Ralph R Laurita

Ralph R. Laurita, a cherished husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, and friend, passed away peacefully at the age of 90 on Sunday, July 27, 2025, at Abington at Morgan Hill in Easton, Pennsylvania. Born on May 4, 1935, in Corona, Queens, New York, Ralph's life was marked by devotion to his family, service to his country, and a passion for both community and adventure. Ralph leaves behind a legacy of love and dedication, exemplified by his 67-year marriage to his beloved wife, Roberta A. (Smith) Laurita. Together, they built a life filled with joy and purpose. Ralph was the proud father of four sons: James and his wife Laura of Mendham, NJ; Kenneth and his wife Judith of Pepper Pike, OH; Thomas and his wife Lesley of Boynton Beach, FL; and Jeffrey and his wife Noelle of Flemington, NJ. His spirit will live on through his siblings: Lois Rod and her husband Jonathan of St. Augustine, FL, and Ronald Laurita and his wife Christine of South Augusta, SC. Ralph's legacy extends to his adoring grandchildren: David and his wife Ashley, Anne and her fiancé Sam, Michael and his fiancé Mallory, Andrew, Olivia and her fiancé Rich, Daniel, Mary and her husband Karl, Evan, and Jillian; and his great-grandchildren, Flynn and Georgie. Ralph was predeceased by his parents, Ralph and Elvira (Gross) Laurita. An alumnus of Sewanhaka High School in New York, Ralph's education laid the groundwork for a life of varied interests and achievements. He honorably served his country in the Navy, a period of his life that he reflected on with great pride. Ralph's entrepreneurial spirit led him to own and operate his own Type Setting/Typography business, through which he made lasting connections and contributed to the trade with his expertise. Ralph's commitment to his faith was evident in his active membership at the First Presbyterian Church in Bethlehem, and previously at the First Presbyterian Church of Garden City, New York. He was also an integral part of the over 55 community in Hellertown and at Moravian Village in Bethlehem where he engaged in numerous activities and formed countless friendships. As a testament to his adventurous spirit, he fulfilled a life-long dream of flying by attaining his pilot's license later in life. Ralph was a natural athlete, with a special fondness for golf, softball, volleyball, basketball, and running. Ralph's enthusiasm for his favorite teams-the Mets, Giants, and the Brooklyn Dodgers-was infectious, and game days were always a special occasion in the Laurita household. Services: A Funeral Service will be held at 4 P.M. on Friday, August 1, 2025, at Cantelmi Long Funeral Home, 500 Linden Street, Bethlehem, PA 18018, where family and friends may pay their respects from 2 P.M. until the time of the service. A committal service with military honors will conclude services at Long Island National Cemetery, 2040 Wellwood Avenue, Farmingdale, NY 1135 at 1 P.M. on Wednesday, August 6, 2025. A memory tribute may be placed at www.cantelmifuneralhome.com. Contributions: In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Ralph's name to The Alzheimer's Association online at https://www.alz.org and/or via mail to Alzheimer's Association, 225 N. Michigan Ave., Floor 17, Chicago, IL 60601.